"Tell me, please, how the gentleman is who was—who was wounded in a duel."
"As bad as he can be," was the short reply; "he won't live till morning."
"I want to see Mrs. Travers, if only for a moment—I want to see Mrs. Travers. I am Miss Mainwaring," she urged.
Giles had not known up to this moment whom he was addressing, for Griselda had only been in that house once, and she had drawn her hood over her face.
When he heard the name, Giles made an exclamation of horror, and said:
"My lady won't see you! You are the last one she'd wish to look upon. It was an evil day for my young master that he ever looked on your face!"
"Oh! you are very cruel—very hard-hearted!" Griselda said; and with a sob turned away.
As she was leaving the door, a young voice she knew greeted her.
It was Brian Bellis'.
"Madam," he said, "I have come to tell you that Norah—poor little Norah—is safe at my aunt's house in John Street. I took her there after the funeral, and she is made welcome; it would melt a heart of stone to see her. Will you come and comfort her?"